Mechanical Design Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a hands‑on Mechanical Design Engineer to own flight and ground hardware from concept through testing and iteration. You will move designs from CAD to physical parts, work in the shop, and support test campaigns in demanding environments.

Key responsibilities

• Design and own mechanical hardware for flight vehicles and ground support equipment, including structures, tanks, mounts, mechanisms, and test hardware.
• Take parts from CAD models to detailed drawings, fabrication, assembly, and testing, maintaining full ownership of outcomes.
• Design for manufacturability, rapid iteration, and real‑world imperfections.
• Support and participate in test campaigns, providing on‑site troubleshooting and repairs.
• Collaborate with propulsion and test engineers to resolve mechanical issues uncovered during testing.
• Perform hand calculations and run FEA simulations.
• Continuously improve internal design, build, and test workflows as the organization scales.

Required profile

• Proven experience designing and building real mechanical hardware that has been tested in the field.
• Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and ability to produce build‑ready drawings.
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing methods such as machining, welding, sheet‑metal work, composites, and rapid prototyping.
• Comfort working hands‑on with tools, hardware, and test equipment.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and progress with incomplete information.
• Willingness to spend time in the shop and at remote test sites when needed.

Required skills

• SolidWorks
• NX
• Hand calculations
• FEA simulations
• Machining
• Welding
• Sheet‑metal fabrication
• Composites
• Rapid prototyping

What we offer

• Competitive salary and meaningful stock options.
• Healthcare, office meals, and snacks.
• Direct mentorship from founders and engineers with extensive flight heritage.
• Fast upward mobility as the company grows.